Replacing rear brake pads on a Nissan Note: a detailed guide with photos and tips

Rear brake pads on Nissan Note — a consumable that requires attention every 30-50 thousand kilometers. Their wear depends on driving style, quality of materials and operating conditions. If you notice squeaking when braking, increased pedal travel or vibration, it's time to check the condition of the pads. Unlike the front ones, the rear ones are often left unattended until they become critically worn, which can lead to damage to the brake drums or discs.

Replacing rear pads yourself Nissan Note (in bodies E11 And E12) allows you to save up to 50% of the cost of work in the service. However, there are nuances here: on models with drum brakes, the process is more complicated than on disc brakes, and incorrect installation can lead to wheel jamming. This article contains step-by-step instructions for both types of brakes, tips for choosing spare parts, and common mistakes to avoid.

What kind of pads are on the Nissan Note: drum vs disc?

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, Nissan Note equipped with two types of rear brakes:

• 🔧 Drum brakes — installed on basic versions with engines 1.4 And 1.6 (until 2013). Easier to maintain, but less effective during heavy braking.
• 💿 Disc brakes - found on restyled models (2013+) and versions with ABS. They require more frequent pad replacement, but provide better braking dynamics.

To determine the type of brakes on your car, just look at the rear wheel through the spokes of the disc: if a metal drum is visible, the brakes are drum; if the brake caliper and disc are visible, they are disc brakes. Information can also be found in VIN code (positions 4-8 indicate the model and equipment) or in the service book.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note With ABS, rear disc pads often wear unevenly due to the operation of the brake force distribution system. Check the thickness of the pads on both wheels, even if squeaking is heard only on one side.

Brake type	Pad life	Signs of wear	Difficulty of replacement
Drums	40-60 thousand km	Creaking, vibration when braking, increased pedal travel	Medium (requires drum removal)
Disk	30-50 thousand km	Whistling, metallic grinding, decreased braking efficiency	Simple (same as front pads)

When to change rear pads: 5 obvious signs

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the rear pads every 15 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on many factors. Here are the key symptoms indicating the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Constant squeaking or whistling when braking - indicates wear of the friction material to the metal base.
• 🚗 Increased brake pedal travel — the pads are worn out and more effort is required to stop.
• 🌀 Vibration or beat in the pedal or steering wheel - may indicate deformation of the brake drum/disc due to overheating.
• 🔴 Wear indicator on the dashboard (if there is a sensor) - on some versions Nissan Note Since 2015, pad wear sensors have been installed.
• 📏 Visual wear — the thickness of the friction layer is less than 2 mm (for disk) or 1 mm (for drum).

On Nissan Note With drum brakes, critical wear of the pads is often accompanied by wheel jamming due to dirt getting into the automatic clearance adjustment mechanism. If after replacing the pads the wheel rotates slowly, check the operation of this mechanism!

Preparing for replacement: tools and spare parts

Before starting work, prepare everything you need. To replace the rear pads with Nissan Note you will need:

• 🔧 Tools:
  • Jack and supports (or lift)
  • Balloon wrench
  • 14, 17 and 19 mm sockets
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Pliers and hammer (for drum brakes)
  • Lubricant for caliper guides (SLIPKOTE 220-R DBC or analogues)
  • WD-40 or rust remover
• 🛠️ Spare parts:
  • Rear pad set (original Nissan 40520-4M000 or analogues: TRW GDB1446, Brembo P68020)
  • DOT-4 brake fluid (for bleeding if required)
  • Brake cleaning cloth (Brake Cleaner)
  • Spring retainers (for drum brakes)

Drum brakes may require additional drum puller (if the drum is “stuck”) and adjustment tool for automatic clearance adjustment mechanism. If the pads are being changed for the first time, it is also recommended to replace brake drums (original Nissan 40500-4M000), as their internal diameter increases over time.

Step-by-step replacement of rear pads on a Nissan Note with drum brakes

Drum brakes are more difficult to maintain than disc brakes, but with the right approach, the job can be completed in 1.5-2 hours. Follow the instructions:

1. Removing the wheel and drum:

   Jack up the car and remove the wheel. Unscrew the drum guide pins (if any) and attempt to pull the drum off. If the drum won't come off, use WD-40 and a hammer with a wooden spacer to gently knock it down. Do not hit the drum with a metal hammer - this will deform it!

2. Removing old pads:

   Remove the spring clips (use pliers) and tension springs. Carefully remove the pads, remembering their location. Please note automatic gap adjustment mechanism — it does not need to be disassembled, but check its mobility.

3. Installing new pads:

   Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the contact points between the pads and the backing plate. Install new pads, starting with the lower spring. Make sure friction material directed towards the drum. Reassemble the spring mechanism in reverse order.

4. Gap adjustment:

   After installing the drum, rotate it by hand - it should rotate freely, without jamming. If the gap is too large, adjust it using the adjusting mechanism (accessed through the hole in the shield).

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Note With drum brakes, after replacing the pads, be sure to check the operation of the hand brake! If the cables are overtightened, the pads will constantly rub against the drum, which will lead to rapid wear and overheating.

What to do if the drum cannot be removed?

If the drum is stuck to the hub, try the following methods:

1. Spray the joint generously with WD-40 or rust remover and wait 10-15 minutes.

2. Gently tap the drum with a wooden mallet or hammer through the wooden spacer.

3. Use a drum puller (can be made from two M8 bolts, screwing them into the threaded holes of the drum).

4. If all else fails, remove the hub together with the drum (you will need to unscrew the hub nut by 30 mm).

Replacing rear disc pads on a Nissan Note: quickly and without errors

Disc brakes on Nissan Note changes are easier, but here it is important to avoid two mistakes: caliper misalignment during assembly and lubricant getting on the friction material pads Instructions:

1. Removing the caliper:

   Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (usually 14 or 17 mm). Hang the caliper on a wire to the spring - Do not let it hang on the brake hose! Remove the old pads and clean the guides of old grease.

2. Preparing new pads:

   If the pads have wear indicators (metal plates), install them from the inner block side. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the back of the pads (not the friction material!).

3. Installation and assembly:

   Insert the pads into the caliper, making sure they are snug. Return the caliper to its place and tighten the bolts with a force of 30-35 Nm. Before installing the wheel, press the brake pedal several times until the caliper pistons are in their working position.

After replacement, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir - if the pistons are recessed, it may rise. If the liquid overflows, pump out the excess with a syringe.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature pad wear or brake system malfunctions. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect spring installation on drum brakes - leads to uneven pressure on the pads and their accelerated wear. Always check the installation diagram!
• 🛑 Ignoring the condition of the brake cylinders - if the pistons have signs of corrosion or leakage, they must be restored or replaced before installing new pads.
• 🧴 Using the wrong lubricant - ordinary lithol or solid oil cannot withstand high temperatures. Use only specialized lubricants for brake systems.
• 🔩 Retightening the caliper bolts - may deform the guides. Tighten to a maximum torque of 35 Nm.
• 🚫 Forgetting to bleed the brakes after replacing pads on models with ABS. This leads to air entering the system and reducing braking efficiency.

Another common problem is incompatibility of pads with brake discs. For example, if you install high friction pads on worn out discs, it will cause them to warp. Always check the compatibility of spare parts according to VIN code car.

How much does it cost to replace rear pads: comparison with service

Cost of replacing rear pads Nissan Note varies depending on brake type and region. Here are the estimated prices (for 2026):

Type of work	Drum brakes	Disc brakes	Cost of spare parts (original)
Self-replacement	0 ₽ (spare parts only)	0 ₽ (spare parts only)	2 500–3 500 ₽
Service replacement (without spare parts)	1 500–2 500 ₽	1 200–2 000 ₽	—
Service replacement (with spare parts)	4 000–6 000 ₽	3 500–5 500 ₽	Included

Savings when replacing yourself are up to 50%, but keep in mind that drum brakes may require additional tools (drum puller, spring pliers), which will cost 1,000–1,500 rubles. If you have never worked with the brake system, it is better to entrust the replacement to professionals - mistakes here are fraught with emergency situations.

When choosing a service, give preference to those who specialize in Nissan. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg it is "Nissan-Service on Varshavka" or "Nissan Automotive Center on Lensovet". They use original spare parts and guarantee their work.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear pads on a Nissan Note

Is it possible to change the pads on only one wheel?

No, the pads are always replaced in pairs on the same axis! If you replace the pads on only one side, this will lead to uneven braking and the car pulling to the side. The exception is if the pads on the second wheel are practically new (less than 20% wear), but even in this case it is better to replace both sides.

How often should you check your rear pads?

The recommended inspection interval is every 15 thousand km or once a year. However, if you often drive in the city with heavy braking, check the pads every 10 thousand km. On Nissan Note With ABS, the rear pads may wear out faster due to the distribution of braking forces.

Which pads are better to choose: original or analogues?

Original pads Nissan 40520-4M000 provide an optimal combination of wear resistance and braking characteristics, but are more expensive (from RUB 2,500 per set). Among the analogues, the following have proven themselves well:

• TRW GDB1446 - soft, low noise, but wear out faster.
• Brembo P68020 — high coefficient of friction, suitable for aggressive driving style.
• Ferodo FDB1896 - a budget option with good braking properties.

When choosing, pay attention to friction material composition: semi-metallic pads are suitable for the city, ceramic pads for the highway.

Do I need to replace brake drums/discs along with the pads?

If drums or discs have the following defects, they must be replaced:

• Deep grooves or cracks in the work surface.
• Uneven wear (runout more than 0.1 mm for discs).
• Thinning the drum to the minimum permissible diameter (specified in the repair manual).

On Nissan Note with drum brakes, the drums usually last 100-150 thousand km, but if their internal diameter exceeds 201.5 mm (for models before 2013), replacement is required.

What should I do if my brakes squeak after replacing the pads?

Creaking after replacing pads is normal in the first 100-200 km (break-in period). If the creaking does not go away, check:

• The quality of the pads (cheap analogues often squeak due to low-quality friction material).
• The presence of an anti-squeak plate or paste on the back of the pads.
• Condition of brake discs/drums (grooves or corrosion may cause vibrations).
• Correct installation (skewed pads rub against the disc unevenly).

If a squeak appears several thousand km after replacement, this may indicate wear on the pads or dirt getting into the brake mechanism.